Help me navigate downsizing

[Spixie33]

I agree that the wording of letting people go will have to be very carefully done. It may make people feel insulted that you are keeping some families but terminating them when they have done nothing wrong. That is my worry.

I think giving notice in June is good. It sounds like you have put some good thought into it. Just be prepared that some people may not stay on all the way until September once you give notice. The kind thing to do is to give ample notice so that they can find a good place rather than having to pick somewhere in a panic.

I think your reasons for doing the downsizing is great. I think parents would understand your reason but not why they are being let go instead of someone else. That might sting. I think Playfelt made a good point that adding a reason might be good i.e better age compatibility with the others or the other families have been there longer or whatever could justify it if they ask. Be prepared with an answer. They will probably be surprised to find that you are staying open but terminating.

Maybe say that you want to take on more contracts and need a lighter load for that too. Good luck.

Have you thought of whether you will tell the families via a letter or in person? I think it will also be something that the other families might question you on and they might also get nervous and think you will eventually shut down. It could make them nervous and look else where too. Just things to consider I guess.

[eoinsmom]

I wasn't sure if I should tell the families that I am letting go that others are staying, I was thinking of maybe just saying I was going to focus more on my social work career in anticipation of heading back to work full time outside the home once my son is in Grade one (sept 2014), which I've be up front about with all my parents before they sign on. The kids I am going to keep are my two original full time kids plus their sibs (who were born last year and are coming back with their older sibs once mom returns to work in the fall - they both ended up on a mat leave at the sane last fall!). When these guys left, I took on all my other part time kids (all anyone was looking for, no luck with any full time clients), who I juggle around every month to keep my numbers in order. One of my part timers is leaving in June already (mat leave), and two other sibs signed on last Oct with the understanding that continuing past May might not be possible due to numbers of kids I'd have. Honestly, making all the part time kids schedules work has been crazy. Some days its great (like today - I only have two kids) but others it is crazy busy! I'd kind of like to take the summer slower, so I will likely give notice April and see what happens. I feel a bit bad about letting some go and keeping others, but I am looking forward to getting back to my original, consistent group of 4.

[Spixie33]

I wasn't sure if I should tell the families that I am letting go that others are staying, I was thinking of maybe just saying I was going to focus more on my social work career in anticipation of heading back to work full time outside the home once my son is in Grade one (sept 2014), O..

I think you almost HAVE to be honest and say that you are staying open but are choosing to concentrate on your social work and your son. It would be a big no no to lead them on and make them think you are shutting down and then they see you out and about with the daycare or hear you are still open through the grapevine.

Sounds like you have the perfect scenario to say that you are letting them go because you have promised the spot to your original families and that you find the PT schedules too hectic.

A lot of PT families get dropped for FT families so it is a good reason.